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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes sent a message to former teammate Juan Mata, following the veteran midfielder’s brilliant performance in the Melbourne derby.
Still got it
Mata moved to A-League outfit Melbourne Victory from Western Sydney last September.
He has started 15 league games for the Victory and despite his multiple assists, was struggling to find the back of the net. However, he put those issues firmly behind him as he orchestrated the side’s 3-1 win against Melbourne City at AAMI Park.
The Spaniard broke the deadlock after 21 minutes, deftly lobbying goalkeeper Patrick Beach from 40 yards out. Where many would have taken a touch, the classy Mata connected with the ball first time to beat the shot-stopper, who was well off his line.
OH MY WORD! JUAN MATA SCORES A SCREAMER FROM LONG RANGE 🚀🤯
The Spaniard chips the goalkeeper from miles out in the Melbourne Derby. Unbelievable 👑
📺 Watch #MCYvMVC live now on 10 Drama, Paramount+ or stream free on 10. pic.twitter.com/AZ6iiM9CTv
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 21, 2026
Max Caputo restored parity moments after the half-hour mark, but Mata put his team ahead yet again with another eye-catching strike.
The former United man demonstrated some excellent composure and technique to set himself up before firing past Beach with his wand of a left foot from the edge of the box.
JUAN MATA DELIVERS AGAIN! 🚀🔵 Is there anything this man can’t do?!
The World Cup winner is lighting up the Melbourne Derby and look at what it means 🥹
📺 Watch #MCYvMVC live now on 10 Drama, Paramount+ or stream free on 10. pic.twitter.com/5J2dDw7yrL
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 21, 2026
Clarismario Santos was also on the scoresheet for Victory, with his goal being assisted by Mata. The win moved Victory up to fifth place in the A-League and six points behind leaders Newcastle Jets.
It seems Fernandes caught Mata’s heroics, as he sent his close friend a lovely message on social media.
Fernandes sends message
Fernandes first posted a video of Mata’s first goal with the caption “What a player.”
The Portugal international followed that up with a second clip of Mata celebrating his second goal. Fernandes wrote, “Special player.”
The second post was accompanied by a love heart emoji.
Mata spent eight years at United and helped the club win three major trophies, including the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.
He made 285 appearances for the Red Devils, contributing 51 goals.
Featured image Daniel Pockett via Getty Images
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